* This article first appeared here in Citizen
With a constantly evolving hospitality landscape, Cape Town never fails to serve up new and exciting treats. On a recent trip to the city, I found some bona fide highlights to add to any Mother City bucket list.
Terre Paisible
Since I often arrive weary from travel – and the helter-skelter of normal life – my first stop was the dazzling new Terre Paisible Medical Spa, minutes outside Franschhoek. What began as an olive oil and wine estate is now home to what may be South Africa’s most impressive spa.
In addition to the regular spa treatments and facilities, Terre Paisible elevates the spa experience to a new level by offering a full range of aesthetic medical treatments and diagnostic processes for longevity. State-of-the-art face, body, and DNA analysis enables targeted treatments where they are most needed. This extends to cosmetic dentistry, from composite veneers to more complex smile remodelling.
The response has been so welcome that Shirley van Wyk, managing director of Terre Paisible, tells me that guests are already flying in from Johannesburg and further afield specifically for the spa – currently South Africa’s only destination medical aesthetic offering.
Right from driving in, it’s clear this is something special. The spa building is defined by calm minimalism with a strong connection to its vineyard and mountain surrounds, ever framed by the large glass windows. Clean lines, soft curves, neutral tones, and natural materials like stone help create a light-filled, quietly luxurious space. Serene styling continues into the spa’s crowning glory – the very-VIP private suite where I had my treatment – ideal for discreet visitors, with its own entrance, pool, lounge and steam room.
Of course, the proof is in the laying on of hands. My massage was given by Sami – who is a ‘body reader’ of note – hands down the best massage I’ve ever had. During my 60-minute Signature Massage, she traced my body’s stress levels in a way no one has before, using a range of techniques to minister to tired muscles.
Treatment sadly over, with Sami’s help, I glided over to the outdoor terrace, where lunch would soon arrive. Chef Mandla (trained by famed Chef Wandile) serves up nutritious meals at the spa – and they look as good as they taste – leaving you full, but not heavy. And yes, there is a tasting of the estate’s own wines included – after all, who doesn’t want a little fun and spoiling along the way? terrepaisiblemedicalspa.com
Nobu Refreshed
The One&Only Cape Town’s iconic Nobu Restaurant has only just received a fresh look, and being in town, I had to pop by. Evocative multi-volume tapestries now frame the space, where warm tones and tasteful textures set a global, yet African-placed scene.
The menu is bursting with Nobu classics, along with local twists. Of course, the most exciting journey is the Omakase (I’ll leave it up to you) chef’s selection, with the anticipation of each upcoming dish an adventure in itself. Dining in the traditional Japanese Kaiseki style, multiple courses are served, with attention paid to artistic presentation, a feast of flavours, textures, and colours. Trust me, the baby spinach salad with dry miso and the beef toban yaki are winners. noburestaurants.com/capetown
Camps Bay Living
Relaxed muscles and a full meal – all that’s left is settling back your vacation home. My recent choice was the 12-sleeper Seven the Drive in Camps Bay – reuniting with friends meant needing space for connection, and with six bedrooms, this was it. Interior design firm Lu’nique worked magic on the property, creating a light and airy home with subtle African and beachfront themes. The central lounge and dining spaces were a hit, with high exposed ceilings giving a quasi-cathedral feel. The outdoor space included a pool, pizza oven, and braai, and downstairs there’s an entertainment area with a bar and a pool table (cue teen hangout space).
Let’s face it, sometimes a holiday rental can come with its own challenges – remembering which email to find the arrival details in, knowing who to contact at 10pm when you can’t find the outdoor light switch, and then trying to arrange the grocery delivery to coincide with your arrival. That’s why I’ve used Nox time and time again – their integrated support system has taken all the fuss out of travel, and the team go out of their way to make sure it’s a fantastic stay. Let’s not forget the included (but optional) daily housekeeping. Seven the Driveis one of over 200 in their portfolio, so if this doesn’t cut it, jump onto their site and let the destination inspiration begin. nox.capetown
